Effects of selective-harvest strategies on white-tailed deer antler size

To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virgi nianus), some state wildlife agencies and many private wildlife management units are adopting antler-based, selective-harvest criteria (SHC) to protec t young males from harvest. We categorized age-specific antler characterist ics of males harvested within 3 soil resource regions of Mississippi to qua ntify regional variation of protection with SHC. We used a simulation model to estimate the effects various selection criteria and harvest rates of vu lnerable males may have on subsequent cohort antler size. Finally, we compa red cohort antler size from wildlife management areas (WMA) in Mississippi before acid after implementing a statewide SHC. The proportion of yearling males protected differed (P < 0.05) among 3 soil resource regions for vario us SHC. Therefore, knowledge of regional, age-specific antler size is neces sary to formulate a SHC that protects a majority of young males while permi tting the harvest of smaller-antlered, older males. Our simulation model in dicated SHC that protected smaller-antlered young males and permitted the h arvest of larger-antlered young males reduced mean cohort antler size in su bsequent years if the harvest rate of vulnerable males was high. Antler siz e of 2.5- and 3.5-year males declined (P < 0.05) on a WMA in the Delta soil resource region after implementation of a 4-point minimum harvest criterio n, but did not change on WMAs in the other soil resource regions. We conclu de SHC that protect smaller-antlered young males coupled with high harvest rates of vulnerable young males may negatively impact cohort antler size in subsequent years on some areas. Use of SHC that protect young males with s mall antlers should be viewed as a temporary regulatory solution to chronic age-structure problems.